Artifact for today is Uniform - stories from the soldiers. As you know, social studies text books and encyclopedias deal out the facts as concisely as possible but don't come close to telling the rich, emotional stories of these soldiers or breathing life into the battles they fought in. One would have to read between the lines to know their fears, their thoughts, their hopes and aspirations. Storytelling allows the listeners to hear various points of view about the same subject and self evaluate, discuss and create much deeper connections to their learning.

I've always been fascinated and entralled with a Civil War quiet hero - Joshua Chamberlain. The movie, "Gettysburg", shared a glimpse into his life. I've included resources below so you can see how much fun it would be to create a story. He was well educated when entering the Union Army, able to speak 9 languages. He learned quickly how to lead and be a trusted soldier and friend. There was a point where he was killed, was revived, and served for many more years.

A Young Chamberlain in the Union Army

Chamberlain in full uniform displaying all of his medals

"It was a cold night. Bitter, raw north winds swept the stark slopes. The men, heated by their energetic and exciting work, felt keenly the chilling change. Many of them had neither overcoat nor blanket, having left them with the discarded knapsacks. They roamed about to find some garment not needed by the dead. Mounted officers all lacked outer covering. This had gone back with the horses, strapped to the saddles. So we joined the uncanny quest. Necessity compels strange uses. For myself it seemed best to bestow my body between two dead men among the many left there by earlier assaults, and to draw another crosswise for a pillow out of the trampled, blood-soaked sod, pulling the flap of his coat over my face to fend off the chilling winds..."

Check out the following resources to learn more about Joshua Chamberlain:

Sue, I love your world view on your subjects. The way you handled U really made me think about old photographs of people in uniforms. I never really thought about what might be going through their minds--the fears they would have had--the valor they must have held in their hearts. Thanks for this heartfelt and meaningful post.

I understand the importance of storytelling - getting the voices of hostory accross to others - and understood. Very valuable and necessary to get the 'true picture' of events across. Thanks for posting http://detoutcoeurlimousin.blogspot.fr/